Boeing has announced significant orders for its major aircraft models, securing commitments for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This development comes amidst the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners with an option for 10 more, while Korean Air has placed orders for 20 units of the 777-9 and 20 of the 787-10, also with an option for an additional 10 787-10s.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s sales operations head, expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership with Japan Airlines, highlighting their choice of the 787 Dreamliner as part of their fleet modernization efforts.
This news follows Airbus’s recent success in securing orders from both Japan Airlines and Korean Air, marking a shift as Japan Airlines purchased A321neo jets, its first single-aisle acquisitions outside of Boeing. This move was accentuated by a scandal surrounding the Boeing 737 Max and ensuing production challenges.
Korean Air’s recent orders further indicate a competitive landscape, as Airbus had reportedly sold several wide-body jets to the airline, which predominantly operates Boeing aircraft. Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, commented on the long-standing relationship with Korean Air, noting the importance of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner in supporting the airline’s sustainability and growth objectives.